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Press Release

Maypearl Podiatrist Sentenced For Health Care/Tax Fraud

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

SHERMAN, Texas — A 46-year-old Maypearl, Texas podiatrist has been sentenced to federal prison for health care and income tax fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

                Shannon Gallentine pleaded guilty on May 10, 2012, to one count of health care fraud and one count of failing to file an income tax return and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on Jan. 31, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield.  Gallentine was also ordered to pay health care fraud restitution of $391,628.08 and $407,942.47 to the Internal Revenue Service.  Of the restitution, $254,377.41 will be paid to Medicare, $110,622.59 to Medicaid, and $26,628.08 to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

            According to information presented in court, from January 2004 through May 2007, Gallentine, a podiatrist, owned and operated Ambulatory Foot Care in Lancaster, Texas.  During this time, Gallentine submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for procedures which he did not perform.  As a result of these false claims, Gallentine received in excess of $365,000.00 to which he was not entitled.   Additionally, Gallentine willfully failed to file federal income tax returns for calendar years 2004 and 2005.  Gallentine was indicted by a federal grand jury on Mar. 9, 2011, and charged with federal violations.

            Gallentine will report to the U.S. Marshals Service on Mar. 18, 2013 to be transported to federal prison.

            This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), IRS, DEA, Texas Office of the Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (OAG-MFCU), and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Peacock.

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Updated March 12, 2015